How to plant Moringa seeds? Latest planting method explained in detail

Moringa generally propagates by seeds. It is best to use fully mature seeds harvested in the same year; the seed germination rate can reach over 90%. Seeds stored for too long will have a lower germination rate. Seeds stored conventionally at room temperature for one year have a germination rate of only about 60%. In tropical regions they can be sown year-round, but the best sowing period is from the end of February to early March. Now let us take a look at how to plant moringa seeds!

Moringa seedbed preparation

For the moringa seedbed, choose land close to the planting site, sheltered from wind, and with convenient water access. Remove weeds, stones and other debris, level the land, and build a germination bed about 600×80×40 cm in length, width and height with red bricks, then put in river sand to a thickness of 20-25 cm. Set up about 40% shade netting above the seedbed for shade; the shade shed is 1.7 m high, and its length and width depend on the actual terrain and scale of the seedbed.

Moringa seed treatment

Before sowing moringa seeds, first remove defective seeds, immature seeds and moldy, rotten seeds. Pour the selected seeds into prepared medicinal solution and soak for 15-17 hours before sowing. Fungicides such as 800-1200 times liquid carbendazim, Luheng No. 2, and baijunqing can be used. When sowing, use a straight wooden stick to level the sand bed, press the seeds into the sand by hand at a spacing of about 2 cm, and a sowing depth of 1.5-2 cm is suitable; too deep or too shallow will reduce the emergence rate. After sowing, water thoroughly, then cover with agricultural film. Seeds of the current year generally sprout in 5-7 days, while seeds from the second and third years sprout 3-5 days later.

Moringa bagging and seedling raising

The nutrient soil for moringa seedling bags should be fertile and loose. Prepare it from clean soil, fully decomposed high-quality organic fertilizer, calcium magnesium phosphate, and compound fertilizer in a ratio of 100:25:3:2, mix evenly and set aside. The nutrient bag specification is 12×17 cm, and the seedbed should preferably be made as a low bed, about 80 cm wide. Bagging requires firm and full filling. Arrange the nutrient bags filled with nutrient soil on the seedbed, with the bags pressed close to each other. About one week after sowing in the sand bed, the seedlings begin to emerge. When the cotyledons have just unfolded, move them into the arranged nutrient bags. Be very careful when moving the bags and do not injure any part of the seedlings. After planting, water thoroughly as soon as possible with 800 times Luheng No. 2 liquid or other fungicide.

Moringa seedling management

After the moringa transplants survive, water with 800 times Luheng No. 2 and other fungicides once every 15 days, and always pay attention to observing pests and spray medicine in good time. Water frequently to keep the soil in the bags moist, but do not use too much water, to prevent root rot. When the seedlings grow to 5-6 leaves, the shade netting can be removed for hardening. After about 4 weeks, the plant height can reach more than 40 cm, and they can be planted into the field in good time. If planting is too late, the main roots of the seedlings will penetrate the bags and affect the survival rate.